Forty of forty-four parks and recreation specific issues passed as voters around Ohio strongly favored measures supporting parks and recreation programs and facilities.

Voters in Clermont, Ashland and Seneca Counties each passed new county-wide levies in support of metropolitan park districts, while voters in Hamilton and Sandusky Counties renewed county-wide levies by overwhelming margins. In Columbus, voters approved a new bond issue for parks and recreational facilities with over 70% of voters favoring the measure.

 “On an unpredictable night, Ohio voters again predictably supported parks and recreation issues around the state,” said Woody Woodward, Executive Director of Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. “It is a credit to the outstanding work that our members are doing every day to improve the quality of life of the people who they serve. Parks and recreation are clearly making a difference in communities around the state.”

“The county wide issues are especially satisfying,” Woodward added. “Three additional counties have decided to fund the environmental protection, education and economic development benefits that metropolitan park districts offer.”

Fourteen of the successful levies sought additional funding. Twenty-six of the forty levies which passed received more than 60% of the vote.

Click here for a complete list of the 2016 November levies and here for a compilation of levies since 2010.